Mateusz Bogusz scored 35 seconds into the game and Jiri Sanchez found the net in second-half stoppage time to give LAFC a 2-1 victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps on Sunday night.
LAFC is within three points of the Galaxy in the race for the top seed in the Western Conference, and could finish no higher than second place. LAFC defeated the Whitecaps 3-0 at home in May and now leads the series with 10 wins, 6 losses, and 4 losses.
Bogusch scored his career-high 15th goal of the season for LAFC (18-8-7) with assists from David Martinez and Olivier Giroud. Martinez had his fourth assist in his 16th career appearance, and Giroux had his third assist in his ninth career appearance.
Sebastian Berhalter scored another free kick in the 62nd minute to pull Vancouver back (13-12-8). It was his second goal of the season and fourth of his career. The kick came after a handball foul on LAFC midfielder Sergi Palencia.
Sanchez scored the goal in the third minute of stoppage time. It was his first goal of the season and the 10th of his career. Kei Kamara picked up his fifth assist of the season.
For LAFC, Hugo Lloris, who had kept consecutive clean sheets, finished with three saves.
Yohei Takaoka saved two shots for the Whitecaps.
Vancouver, currently the 8th seed in the West Division, has struggled with 0 wins, 4 losses, and 2 losses in their last six games.
LAFC will host the San Jose Earthquakes in Saturday’s Decision Day game. The Whitecaps will play Real Salt Lake on Saturday to close out the regular season.
